In our new interview series spotlighting forward-thinking figures in independent watchmaking, Pascal Béchu, managing director of Arnold & Son and Angelus, shares on how Arnold & Son’s new novelties express where the brand stands today
Much to the delight of watch connoisseurs, Arnold & Son unveils two new timepieces: the ultra-thin dress watch HM Pietersite and the Ultrathin Tourbillon Onyx.
Pascal Béchu of Arnold & Son explains that these two watches highlight the elegance of the maison’s creations through exceptional finesse and craftsmanship, applied not only to the movements but also to the overall design.
Béchu notes that the maison typically introduces one or two new models per collection each year. This year, however, the Perpetual Moon collection takes centre stage, with no fewer than seven new models. “Naturally, we are offering designs inspired by the Year of the Fire Horse, but beyond these exceptional models, we will unveil highly innovative dials just before the summer,” he says.
Leaning on its British heritage, the HM Pietersite is distinguished by a pietersite stone dial with swirling patterns that evoke stormy Cornish skies and seas, a nod to John Arnold’s birthplace and his legacy in marine chronometry.
Meanwhile, the Ultrathin Tourbillon Onyx is defined by its sleek black onyx dial and matching concave onyx sub-dial. Highly polished yet contrasted with a first-in-watchmaking matte, satin-finished onyx element, it transforms deep black into a study of texture and light.
How do the two novelties express where your brand stands in 2026?
The Arnold & Son collections embody the various facets of our brand: a heritage dating back more than 260 years, haute horlogerie movements developed, manufactured and assembled in-house, and unique designs that blend elegant style with major innovations in materials and artisanal craftsmanship.
What elements of the conception or execution could only have been realised by an independent watch brand?
As a niche brand, we create ultra-limited editions that allow us to push creative boundaries. For example, for our Ultrathin Tourbillon in Onyx, we introduced a new way of working with this deep black fine stone. Together with our partner, who specialises in ultra-fine stone dials, we developed new techniques to offer a harmonious alternation of glossy and matt onyx, a first in watchmaking. Each piece is unique and handcrafted, making mass production impossible.
What creative, technical, or commercial risks were required?
In the world of luxury and fine craftsmanship, every new launch carries risk. We do not rely on market research. We aim to anticipate, and sometimes create, what will resonate in the future.
Six years ago, we began developing dials made from semi-precious stones, searching for new stones with extraordinary colours that had never been used in watchmaking. Today, stone dials have become a strong trend, particularly over the past two years. We continue to innovate by seeking new materials and techniques. Our Ultrathin Tourbillon Onyx, launched at Watches & Wonders this year, is a perfect example.
When these watches are looked back on years from now, what role do you hope they will play in the long-term story of your brand?
Last year, during the presentation of our new collections at Watches & Wonders, many retailers noted that the evolution of our collections tells a coherent story. They recognised consistency and clarity in our direction, which is perhaps the greatest compliment we could receive.
I hope that, in 10 or 20 years, we can look back with pride at every launch we have delivered, and that each will have contributed meaningfully to the brand’s contemporary history.
